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Who is the Food Network Addict? He's the guy serving up the latest news and gossip on your favorite celebrity chefs. From Rachael Ray to Ina Garten, Paula Deen to Giada, he's got you covered. Stop by daily and feed your addiction.

Wednesday, September 3

I'm not surprised my Gordon Elliott post elicited some strong feelings; it was meant to. But don't think I was just trying to stir up controversy.

If you agree--great. If not, that's fine. Again, I'm not saying that Gordon's shows are the only ones with this problem. Follow Productions just happens to produce the ones I chose to write about. Maybe I'll examine other shows in the future.

I got some news! I just had the pleasure of meeting Sarah Copeland. She is a chef at Food Network kitchens. She was at Slow Food Nation in San Francisco to promote "good food gradens" with Share Our Strength. It is a great way to bring fresh food to kids and educate parents about healthy eating.For more info check outhttp://www.goodfoodfun.com/

Attention All 2 Fat Ladies Fans: Today in the mail I received a catalog which sells documentary, comedy, & mystery DVDs, among others. No, none of THOSE.....

Anyway, you can now purchase the complete 24 episode set of 2 Fat Ladies on DVD. You can probably find this other places, so I won't list the web site in case that's a no-no here. But if you can't find it, it's acornonline.com

hah

I've read several posts on here where people mention that show, so thought I'd share. For those of us who enjoyed them, and miss them, this is news. The good kind.

Poor Rachael I'm afraid she's going to get exhausted and collapse. On "30 minute meals" tonight,(6pm episode, making meat-free dishes), she was so not into it and it came across soooo clear. Her voice was so hoarse and she just kept staring down and rambling. Couldn't she have just taken a sick day? Lawd knows I love me some RR but even I had to change the channel she was getting me depressed and putting me to sleep. I have yet to see a promo for her new show but it's the last thing she needs right now. Anyways, does Paula's talk show start in the 09' fall season? I haven't seen anything on that. And thank you Dairyland Girl I thought I saw an ad about their dvd release. Them 2 fat ladies were so fun.

I am afraid to post this but: Anyone seen the commercials for the new Guy show? I think we are in trouble with this one, too. But with Guy I have a feeling it will be a toning down from his food in the face stuffing of DDD. I still haven't gone to the Mexican hole in the wall he visited in Phoenix, even though I have been know to drink across the street from it. I actually did a review of the restaurant just across the way from the BBQ joint he visited in Phoenix as well. Oh yeah I used to drink at the Outback across the street from that one, as well.

Also, I am really looking forward to what DI will be like this week. Did you see the commercial for it where Michael shows the pig tattoo on his chest while discussing KOSHER?

Actual Breath of Fresh Air: Emeril on Planet Green pushing a shopping cart through Whole Foods. I don't know why but I just like it. The shows feels like the "Essence" moved into a market.

Lastly how do I get a note to Aunt Sandy? I have a drink for her called a "Tootsie Roll" * 3 Parts Red Bull1 Part Three Olives Chocolate Vodka1 Part Orange Juice Ice

the last time I watched RR on 30 minute meals--you could tell she was just strictly going thru the motions--and her last little sign-off about a 'healthy, delicious meal is never more than 30 minutes away' was just very STRAINED--and so VERY FAKE--

TFN is still on the air? What used to be one of our top most channels has become not even an also-ran as it has descended further and further into the area of "foodertainment" (tm). Wake me up when something good is back on the air.

Thanks for all the news updates. After that post, I'm in a bit of a slump... writer's block, I guess.

Anyhow, to answer a's question,

"a said... Do you have ratings info on the FN shows?"

No, I do not. Trade publications publish cable ratings, but not ALL of them, usually. Maybe the top 10 shows on cable primetime (I rarely see daytime cable ratings), so if FN isn't in the top ten (which it usually isn't), you're not really sure how they're doing.

FN isn't required to publish their ratings, as far as I know. So we usually just hear about the great successes. Sorry!

Anon 10:45Hi.. the Good Food Gardens are an interactive way for kids to get to grown thier own food for afterschool programs, school lunch, etc. It is a supplement and gives them a "hands on" experience to see food grow in an actually working garden that they help to maintain. It is a partnership with Food Network and Share Our Strength. I will be following up with the first garden here in San Francisco. If you have kids, check out the site..it is really nice.

That comment about RR being so depressing was interesting timing. I caught that show the very night after reading all these posts about RR being too bubbly and in your face and hyped up. But how ironic that her newest show was so low and slow and down. She seemed really very tired and almost sick. I think she's doing way too much and need to rest. She claims to not need any sleep, but you do have to at least rest once in a while. It's starting to show just how run down she is. She wasn't into it at all and you could tell. the older shows in the older kitchen were much more bubbly and perky.

If you're around Northern Virginia, Emeril's still filming Plant Green at the Fair Lakes Whole Foods (September 7th to September 11th is the next time). I went there in July not realizing he was filming at the time and the store was packed with people (all pretending not to notice the filming while they "shopped") - I mean Whole Foods is usually crowded but not THAT crowded! Emeril-gawkers!

A simple culinary message: "You gotta intensify your food. Don't be bashful or shameful (HUH??). Season it." ( what the HELL does shame have to do with seasoning food?)

Cross-Platform appeal: Not only could Aaron cook but he also showed he was a versatile brand with possible show & product spin offs. (can't wait....not.)

The 'all important' executive sign off: Bob Tuschman, judge & senior VP of programming & production for FN says: We chose Aaron as the winner because his personality like his food was big bold generous and down to earth...He is a gifted chef & his food would be a great fit in the FN line up."

This is just some of the one page article. I find most if it ridiculous personally......

LOL to anon @ 10:45am, haha very cute. I admit, you made me chuckle. NO, really, you did! I was, however, just expressing my concern over my beloved Rachael Ray, and that meat free episode was depressing to watch.

To Amy, thx for the post about Emeril's taping. I was curious as to whether the people in the store were extras or actual people shopping.

I think Rachael is tired tooooo. The whole Rachael Ray thing has been run into the ground. She isn't her self on anything anymore. About her face being puffy its about her gaining weight. She needs to stop and smell the roses (maybe a baby) to share her life with.

Thanks for the link Christa, we think alike. For some reason I really like Ina Garten's show. I know she is not the pretty little, gorgeous chef like others, but she has some intangible elements to her. Every time I finish watching the show I will tell my husband that I just want to be Ina. I want her house, filled with neat places to set a cozy dinner for two or a party for six. Her kitchen is pretty standard, but has all the necessary stuff and a great pantry. She jumps in her convertible BMW and shops at the local shops and doesn't even need to bring any cash. She spends her days testing recipes and making notes for cookbooks. And best of all, I joke to my husband, her husband Jeffrey is only home on weekends... lol

I also love the way she cooks. She was the first person who taught me how to roast vegetables. I now roast everything - a little olive oil, salt and pepper and roast in a hot oven and you have perfect vegies.